Meeting of Experts (18-22 August 2008) - Bringing Biologists on Board

The 2008 Meeting of Experts was held in the Palais des Nations from 18 to 22 August 2008. Ninety-six States Parties participated in the meeting, along with four signatory states and three observer states. A range of international organizations, scientific and professional associations, commercial industry and NGOs were also represented.

The Meeting of Experts was chaired by Ambassador Georgi Avramchev of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. In accordance with the decision of the Sixth Review Conference, the Meeting of States Parties (1- 5 December 2008) will consider the work of the Meeting of Experts to discuss, and promote common understanding and effective action on:

1. National, regional and international measures to improve biosafety and biosecurity, including laboratory safety and security of pathogens and toxins.

2. Oversight, education, awareness raising, and adoption and/or development of codes of conduct with the aim of preventing misuse in the context of advances in bio-science and bio-technology research with the potential of use for purposes prohibited by the Convention.

Outcome

The 2008 Meeting of Experts was completed successfully on 22 August. The Meeting adopted its report by consensus.

Relevant Scientific & Technological Developments

One of the mandated tasks of BWC Review Conferences is to "take into account any new scientific and technological developments relevant to the Convention". The last such review took place at the Sixth Review Conference in 2006 and the next is schedules for 2011. During its efforts to prepare for the Meeting of Experts, the Implementation Support Unit identified a number of developments in science and technology that have either come about, or developed significantly since the last comprehensive review. Details of advances identified in the lead up to the Meeting of Experts can be found on the Relevant Scientific & Technological Developments page. See also the seminar Synthetic Biology: Engineering Life Science by the Geneva Forum in coordination with the ISU.

Documents and Other Information

Official Documents for the Meeting of ExpertsCompendiums of National ApproachesOpening StatementsBiosafety & Biosecurity Statements and Presentations